Nintendo games on iOS could be ‘quite lucrative’, potentially generate $400m – Pachter

Nintendo will launch its first officially licensed iOS app in Japan soon, and the move has spurred many questions surrounding the developer’s approach to the Apple’s storefront. Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter has explained to VG247 that should Nintendo fully embrace iOS and launch its back catalogue on the format, the move could prove ‘quite lucrative’, to the potential tune of $300-$400 annually.

We reported that Pokédex for iOS is coming to the Japanese App Store at 170 Yen, suggesting that – if successful – Nintendo may consider publishing other games on Apple’s formats.

VG247 asked Pachter for his thoughts on Nintendo’s potential windfall. We suggested that while this was a positive step for the Japanese company, it seemed odd that it has taken Nintendo this long to publish on iOS, given the potential windfall to be gained.

In a statement sent to VG247, Pachter said of the release of Pokédex for iOS, “I think it’s a great first step, and a natural property to try it with. I don’t know that we can necessarily conclude that Nintendo will go all out and start publishing mobile games, but if they were to do so, I agree with you that it would likely be quite lucrative. ”

“I suppose we will have to see if they consider this experiment a success, and that may take some time.”

On the subject of Nintendo’s apparent reluctance to ride the iOS trend, Pachter added, “They fear cannibalizing their other profit streams, as they understand that mobile has been taking share away from dedicated handheld consoles, and likely are reluctant to accelerate that share shift.

“It’s impossible to quantify the financial impact, but I believe it is likely that Nintendo could generate at least as much revenue ($300 – 400 million a year) as Electronic Arts or Gameloft if it were to publish mobile games using all of its many characters, and likely quite a bit more.”

You only have to imagine how well-received classics such as Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda or even games well-suited to the handheld mindset such as Dr. Mario would sell on iOS to see that such a move could result in significant returns.

We’ll have more insight from other industry figures on this matter in coming weeks. Stay tuned.